The Argonautica

jointed and carved them, and cut out sacred thigh-bones,

then wrapped them all together, thickly covered round with fat

and burned them on split wood; Jason poured libations unmixed

and Idmon rejoiced as he watched the bright sacrificial flame

shining on every side, and smoke from the sacrifice rising

in purple spirals, springing upward with good omen;

at once he plainly declared the will of Leto's son:

For you the gods' decree and fate ordain that you come

back here bearing the Fleece; but numberless in the midst

on the way there and back lie trials for those who journey.

but mine is fated death by a god's hateful allotment,

somewhere far away upon the mainland soil of Asia.

Thus, though earlier taught my doom by birds of evil omen,

I left my fatherland then, determined to go aboard

the ship, and once aboard leave glory behind in my house.

Thus he spoke; and the young men, hearing the god-given prophecy,

rejoiced in their homecoming, but grief seized them for Idmon's doom.

Now when the sun in heaven passes noon's steadfast station,

and newly the fields take shadow beneath the rocky heights,

as afternoon's sun inclines toward dusk in the shadowy west,

then all the heroes together upon the sands spread deep

leaf beds facing the shore-line of the gray sea,

and rested row upon row; nearby, abundant provisions

were spread, and sweet wine drawn off into brimming pitchers